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Acer Swift Go 14 (2024)
The Acer Swift Go 14 enters the market as one of the first ultraportable laptops to be equipped with Intel’s cutting-edge “Meteor Lake” Core Ultra processors. Priced at $849, this sleek device is a strong contender in the ultraportable category, thanks to its impressive processing power, lightweight design, and a host of modern features. However, a few drawbacks keep it from being a top choice for all consumers. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Swift Go 14 stand out and where it falls short.
Design and Build Quality
Acer has crafted the Swift Go 14 with portability in mind. The laptop features an aluminum chassis that not only looks premium but also provides durability while keeping the weight under three pounds. This makes it easy to slip into a bag and carry around without any hassle. The pure silver finish gives it a clean, professional appearance, although it lacks the flair seen in some competitors.
One of the standout features is the 14-inch display, available in two configurations: an IPS touch screen with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,200 pixels and an OLED screen with a sharper 2,880 by 1,800 resolution. The OLED option foregoes touch support but offers a brighter, more vivid viewing experience, ideal for those who prioritize image quality. The touchpad has also seen improvements, with a 44% larger surface area compared to previous models, providing a smooth and responsive experience, although the physical clicks could be quieter.
Performance
At the heart of the Swift Go 14 is Intel’s latest technology. Depending on your choice, the laptop is powered by either a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 10-core processor or the more advanced Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, featuring 16 cores and a turbo speed of up to 4.8GHz. Both models are equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast application load times. Storage options include a 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD for the Core i5 model and a 1TB SSD for the Core i7 model, providing ample space for files and programs.
The integration of Intel’s new Arc GPU marks a significant improvement in the graphics department, particularly for an ultraportable laptop. This new integrated GPU outperforms the previous Iris Xe graphics, making the Swift Go 14 a solid choice for users who need more graphical power for tasks like photo editing or casual gaming. However, those looking to tackle more demanding applications, such as 4K video editing or AAA gaming, may find the Arc graphics insufficient and should consider a more powerful, dedicated GPU.
Audio and Cooling
While the Swift Go 14 excels in many areas, audio quality is not one of them. The built-in speakers, while capable of producing loud sound, tend to have a harsh, metallic quality that can become grating over time. For an optimal audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended.
The cooling system is another area where the Swift Go 14 could improve. The fans, although effective at keeping the laptop cool, can get quite loud during intensive tasks. This noise might be distracting, especially in quiet environments.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Acer has equipped the Swift Go 14 with a robust set of connectivity options. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. During testing, the Wi-Fi range was particularly impressive, maintaining strong performance even in areas where other devices struggled.
For security, the Swift Go 14 includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, providing quick and secure biometric authentication. This feature worked flawlessly during our tests, adding a layer of convenience.
The laptop is powered by a 65-watt hour battery, which, combined with the efficient Intel Core Ultra processors, provides respectable battery life for an ultraportable. You can expect it to handle a full day of work or study without needing to reach for the charger too often.
Conclusion
The Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) is a capable and well-rounded ultraportable laptop, particularly for those who need the latest Intel processing power in a compact form factor. Its bright display options, solid performance, and lightweight design make it an attractive option for students, professionals, and anyone on the go. However, the presence of loud fans, subpar speakers, and a significant amount of pre-installed bloatware may detract from the overall user experience.
While the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED remains our top pick in the ultraportable category for its superior balance of features, the Acer Swift Go 14 still offers excellent value for those who prioritize processing power and don’t mind a few trade-offs.